Hemolytic jaundice is a common type of liver disease caused by the breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in an increase of bilirubin. It can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, and drugs. Symptoms include yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, and swelling. Diagnosis is done through blood tests. Treatment options include phototherapy and blood transfusions. If left untreated, it can lead to liver and brain damage, sepsis, and even death.
Hemolytic jaundice is a type of jaundice. Also called hematogenous jaundice, it is one of the most common types of jaundice to occur. It occurs when red blood cells break down. This breakdown causes an increase in a byproduct called bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow color that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow, which is the most visible symptom.
Jaundice is a type of liver disease. Hemolytic jaundice is one of the three types of jaundice that occurs and the most common. The liver contains a chemical liquid called bile that aids in digestion. Red blood cells break down, creating bilirubin during this process. The bilirubin enters the liver in high concentrations and ends up being distributed throughout the body, creating the yellow appearance.
There are several causes of this condition. Infections that cause red blood cells to break down are one cause. Conditions like autoimmune disorders and sickle cell disease are also causes that affect red blood cells. This type of jaundice can occur due to excessive amounts of acetaminophen or other drugs that destroy red blood cells and affect liver function.
Symptoms of hemolytic jaundice include yellow skin or eyes, brown or dark yellow urine, and swelling of the stomach or legs. Nausea, fever and weakness are also common symptoms. Many patients may experience additional symptoms, such as headache, loss of appetite, and mild confusion. Symptoms vary according to the amount of bilirubin distributed and the duration. Newborns may also exhibit lethargy and seizure activity.
In addition to a physical exam, the diagnosis of hemolytic jaundice is done through tests. Blood samples are used to determine how much bilirubin is present. These tests can also be used to check liver function and red blood cell counts.
Hemolytic jaundice can be life-threatening if left untreated. Liver and brain damage can occur. Liver cirrhosis can occur due to consistently high bilirubin levels. It is also possible to develop a serious infection called sepsis. In many cases, this type of jaundice can cause liver failure, which can lead to death.
This type of jaundice has a few treatment options. If other conditions are the cause, these conditions need to be treated. Phototherapy uses light to break down bilirubin and the yellow color. In some cases, blood transfusions may be needed to replace depleted red blood cells in the blood.
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